Southern River Hockey Club

This week Southern River’s number one men’s team took on their Achilles heel Westside Wolves. The Hawks having been enjoying their position at the top of the ladder were matched up against the only team to have beaten them, third placed Westside Wolves.

With perfect timing the Hawks were back with their regular strikers Lee Hansord and Paul Bailie (as well as third top goal scorer for the comp Jonathon Lanzon) meaning the odds were in favour of the inform side. To improve the odds even more for the Hawks camp the change of venue time hurt the Wolves who were only able to field 10 players.

With the change of venue and time the game started late, conveniently after a slight downfall. However the improving weather soon disappeared with the rain staying on for the show. The Hawks, with an extra player on the field, took control of the game early with frequent attacks. The Wolves showed their strength and held up well however it was inevitable the Hawks would score after a quality reverse stick shot from Paul Bailie putting the ball in the back of the net. With one extra player and one goal ahead the Hawks slowed down in attack and concentrated on defence and possession. This worked well with first half ending 1-0 to the Hawks.

Half time and although the lead wasn’t great the Hawks were glad to be in front, finally. The second half started with the rain continuing and the Hawks back in domination. The midfielders James Gradison, Steve DeWind, and Dean Morton did well to keep the Wolves out of attack while Kevin Pethick and Leighton Keane played their part in foiling any attempts that made it through the half line. During the strong defensive work there were plenty of offensive attacks including multiple short corners. However the Hawks (and Wolves) were unable to penetrate before the game ended with Hawks glad to walk way with a win under their belt continuing on their rights to be top of the ladder.

Next week’s game has changed to Sunday evening at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The Hawks will be looking at continuing on with their lead with past premiership side Riverside.

Goals: Paul Bailie
Best on Ground: Kevin Pethick, Paul Bailie, James Gradison